2x4 to 4x4

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 28, 2011

Ok i have been considering converting my 89 B2 to a 4x4 when i do the clutch in the next few weeks. I have seen a few threads where people have said that to do this you need the 4x4 cross member to do this on a 2wd ranger. My question is, is this going to be a problem on a 2wd B2? And just so everyone knows i will be using the D28 since it has the same gears and is free. Thanks for the help.

TexCaliBII · Jan 28, 2011

Unless someone swapped in a 4x4 axle already you'll have a problem as there is not a front pumkin in a 2 wheel drive truck. You'll have a straight beam in place of it if it is still factory. To do this swap you need the front axle, engine cross beam bracket (completely different on the non 4x4), transfer case and front drive shaft from a 4X4 BII, Ranger, Explorer. There is a good write up on this in the Tech Library on this site and I HIGHLY recommend the D35 from an Explorer. Bolts right in and you don't even have to open your brake lines as the current calipers will bolt right up. Good luck and as always we are all here to help each other.

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 28, 2011

yeah i just found that write up. i would use the D35 but im broke and i have a good D28 sitting here thats free. thanks tho.

Surrey · Jan 28, 2011

Does your truck currently have the dummy transfer case??

JohnnyO · Jan 28, 2011

BII's are slightly easier in the sense that 4x2's use a dummy t-case.

TexCaliBII · Jan 28, 2011

Ah,
Good then but as Surrey asked, and I mentioned, you'll need the actual 4 wheel drive transfer case as the one in yours is just a shell. Did the axle you got come with a drive shaft and transfer case? You are still going to need the 4x4 bracket no matter what. The mount points are different between 2 and 4 wheel TTB axles. Although you can put the bracket and axle in now and the other stuff later. It will still drive like normal untill you can get the other parts.

cammeddrz · Jan 28, 2011

JohnnyO said:
BII's are slightly easier in the sense that 4x2's use a dummy t-case.

and just have a plate bolted to the floor under the carpet covering the hole for the t-case shifter. you could cut your plate or just get a 4x4 one and swap it out

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 28, 2011

Surrey said:
Does your truck currently have the dummy transfer case??

Yes it has the dummy t case. I have every thing except the front drive shaft,unless the drive shaft from a 4 speed will be long enuf for the 5 speed. do both of the drop brackets need to be replaced? or just the one for the passenger beam? Thanks for the answers.

1stgenxxx · Jan 28, 2011

Why not put a solid axle in? I wouldn't waste my time putting the ifs 4x4 stuff in.

cammeddrz · Jan 28, 2011

for my clarification are you are you asking about putting ttb in? or ifs?

because ttb would be easier to do than ifs, but like 1stgenxx said a solid would be better than both

but that is an entirely different ball of wax

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 28, 2011

1stgenxxx said:
Why not put a solid axle in? I wouldn't waste my time putting the ifs 4x4 stuff in.

because the hp D44 and 9" are going under the 84 B2 that the D28 and t case for this one are coming out of. plus i plan on keeping the 89 pretty much stock for now. since it is my dd, i just want it to have 4x4 is all

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 28, 2011

cammeddrz said:
for my clarification are you are you asking about putting ttb in? or ifs?

because ttb would be easier to do than ifs, but like 1stgenxx said a solid would be better than both

but that is an entirely different ball of wax

im talking about TTB.

TexCaliBII · Jan 29, 2011

Just the passenger side bracket needs swapped out. Again the tech write up in the Library here details the swap very well.

Bronco_Chuck · Jan 29, 2011

thanks for all the info. now i just need to get off my lazy bum and get to it.

2x4 to 4x4

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